The primary conflict in Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher is the internal struggle faced by Roderick Usher. Roderick is tormented by his own mental instability and the fear of his family’s curse. His sister, Madeline, is also suffering from a mysterious illness, which adds to his distress.
Roderick’s internal conflict is mirrored by the external decay of the Usher family mansion. The house itself seems to be alive, reflecting the deteriorating mental state of its inhabitants. The tension builds as Roderick becomes increasingly paranoid and fearful, culminating in the dramatic and tragic conclusion of the story.
Ultimately, the conflict is resolved with the literal and metaphorical fall of the House of Usher, as both Roderick and Madeline meet their demise, and the mansion collapses into the tarn.